Coorg

Nagarhole

NAGARHOLE National Park .The park was an exclusive hunting reserve of the former rulers of Mysore. This place derives its name from naga, meaning snake and hole, referring to streams. It was set up in 1955 as a wildlife sanctuary and later converted into a national park in year 1988.[1] [edit]Terrain The forest ranges the foothills of the Western Ghats spreading over to the hillside and south towards Kerala. The vegetation consists mainly of moist mixed deciduous forest (Tectona grandis, Dalbergia latifolia) in the southern parts, dry tropical forest (Wrightia tinctoria, Acacia) towards the east, and Sub mountain hill valley swamp forest (Eugenia). [edit]Fauna and flora The main trees found are Rosewood, Teak, Sandalwood and Silver oak. Species of trees of the dry deciduous forest include Terminalia tomentosa, Tectonia grandis, Lagerstroemia lanceolata,Pterocarpus marsupium, Grewia tilaefolia, Dalbergia latifolia and Anogeissus latifolia.[3] Other tree species that are seen in the forests are Lagerstroemia microcarpa, Adina cordifolia, Bombax malabaricum, Schleichera trijuga and species of Ficus. In the under storey, species found growing include Kydia calycina, Emblica officinalis and Gmelina arborea. Shrubs like Solanum, Desmodium, Helicteres species and invasive species like Lantana camara and Eupatorium too are found in abundance. The dry deciduous forests have many tree species commonly found in the moist deciduous forests like Anoegeissus latifolia, Cassia fistula, Butea monosperma, Dendrocalamus strictus, Wrightia tinctoria and Acacia sp., while the swamp forests have a predominance of Eugenia. In addition to Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) and Teak (Tectonia grandis) the other commercially important species of trees found in the forests include Sandalwood (Santalum album) and silver oak (Grevillea robusta)[4][5] Chital herd, Nagarahole WLS, Kodagu District Elephant herd, Nagarahole WLS, Kodagu District Gaur herd, Nagarahole WLS, Kodagu District Sambar mother and fawn, Nagarahole WLS, Kodagu District Flagship species like tiger (Panthera tigris), Indian bison or gaur (Bos gaurus) and Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) are found in large numbers inside the park. A study carried out by Dr. Ullas Karanth of the Wildlife Conservation Society has shown that the forests of Nagarhole have three species of predators i.e. tiger, leopard (Panthera pardus) and wild dogs (Cuon alpinus) present at an equivalent density (PA Update 2000). The park also has an abundance of jackals (Canis aureus), grey mongoose (Herpestes edwardsi), sloth bears (Melursus ursinus), striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena), spotted deer or chital (Axis axis), sambar (Cervus unicolor), barking deer (Munitacus muntjak), four-horned antelopes (Tetracerpus quadricornis) and wild boar (Sus scrofa). Other mammalian inhabitants include the common palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), brown mongoose (Herpestes brachyurus), striped-necked mongoose(Herpestes vitticollis), black-naped hare (Lepus nigricollis), mouse deer, Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), red giant flying squirrel (Petaurista petaurista), Indian porcupine (Hystrix indica) and Indian giant flying squirrel (Petaurista philippensis).[4][5] Recognised as an Important Bird Area the park has over 270 species of birds including the 'Critically endangered' Oriental white-backed vulture (Gyps bengalensis), 'Vulnerable' lesser adjutant (Leptopilos javanicus), greater spotted eagle (Aquila changa) and the Nilgiri wood-pigeon (Columba elphinstonii). 'Near threatened' species like darters (Anhniga melanogaster), oriental white ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), greater grey headed fish eagle (Icthyophaga ichthyaetus) and red headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus) too can be found here. Endemics include the blue winged parakeet (Psittacula columboides), Malabar grey hornbill (Ocyceros griseus) and the white bellied treepie (Dendrocitta leucogastra). Seven of the 15 Biome-10 (Indian Peninsula Tropical Moist Forest) and 21 of the 59 Biome-11 (Indo-Malayan Tropical Dry Zone) species have been noted from here. Some of the birds that can be sighted here include the white cheeked barbet (Megalaima viridis), Indian scimitar babbler (Pomatorhinus horsfieldii) and Malabar whistling thrush (Myiophonus horsfieldii). Even birds commonly seen in drier regions like painted bush quail (Pendicula erythrorhyncha), Sirkeer malkhoa (Phaenicophaeus leschenaultia), ashy prinia (Prinia socialis), Indian robin (Saxicoloides fulicata), Indian peafowl (Pava cristatus) and yellow legged green pigeon (Treron phoenicoptera) can be found here.[4][5] Reptiles commonly found here are common vine snake (Ahaetulla nasutus), common wolf snake (Lycodon aulicus), rat snake (Ptyas mucosus), bamboo pit viper (Trimeresurus gramineus), Russell's viper (Daboia russellii), common krait (Bangarus caeruleus), Indian rock python (Python molurus), Indian monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis) and the common toad (Bufo melanostictus).[4][5] Extensive studies on the biodiversity of the insect population have been carried out by researchers from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore. The insect biodiversity of this park includes over 96 species of dung beetles and 60 species of ants. Unusual species of ants that have been identified include the jumping ants such as Harpegnathos saltator, which are known to jump up to a metre high. The ant species Tetraponera rufonigra may be useful as a marker for the health of the forests because these ants feed on termites and are abundant in places where there are lots of dead trees. Species of dung beetles identified include the common dung beetle (Onthophagus dama), India's largest beetle, Heliocopris dominus which breeds only in elephant dung and Onthophagus pactolus, a very rare species of dung beetle. [edit]Climate and ecology Located in Kodagu district of Karnataka, with the Brahmagiri mountains forming a picturesque background, the Nagarhole National Park was set up in 1955. The park forms a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and has been nominated for selection as a World Heritage Site. It lies between the latitudes 12°15'37.69"E and longitudes 76°17'34.4"N. Altitude in the park varies from 687–960 m. By 1988 the protected area in this park was increased to occupy 643.39 km2. The park receives an annual rainfall of 1,440 mm and its water sources include the Lakshmmantirtha river, Sarati Hole, Nagar Hole, Balle Halla, Kabini river, four perennial streams, 47 seasonal streams, four small perennial lakes, 41 artificial tanks, several swamps, Taraka dam and the Kabini reservoir.[4] [edit]Tribal and native inhabitants The Jenu Kurubas, primary inhabitants of this forest area, are a tribe in Karnataka state and their traditional practices and rituals are slowly disappearing. The government is restricting their entry inside the National park and forest due to multiple factors including but not limited conservation efforts and bringing the community to the mainstream society. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, identified the Jenu Kuruba and the Koraga as tribal groups in Karnataka. The Jenu Kurubas are traditional food gatherers and honey collectors. In Kannada, the term ‘Jenu’ means ‘honey’ and the term ‘kuruba’ generally mean ‘shepherd’. It is derived from the Kannada word ‘kuri’ which means ‘sheep’. The term kuruba is also associated with non-shepherd communities. They speak a variant form of Kannada commonly known as Jenu-nudi within their family kin group, and Kannada with others. They use Kannada script. According to the Census of 1981, the population of Jenu Kuruba community is 34,747 out of which 17,867 are male and 16,880 are female.[citation needed] The Jenu Kurubas are found scattered in the jungles as with other tribal groups. They are excellent climbers of tree and are skilled in the use of sling, bows and arrows. They demonstrate a strong emotional attachment to the forest as their mother deity and represents a whole way of life. Their food, dress, worship, house, medicine storing articles furniture etc. all are linked with forest. Parts of the tribe which have resisted exposure to civilization still live in thatched huts made of mud, leaves and grass. A significant population of this community have adopted the civilized ways of life an have moved out of the forest in the last decade, thanks to relocation efforts by the Government of India and other NGOs operating in this region. For those still in the forest, health is one of the serious problems due to unhygienic living conditions, lack of access to clean water, under nourishment, malnutrition and superstitious ways of life. Their food habits differ significantly from the civilized communities. They generally consume edible roots and tubers while occasionally consuming wild animal meat as well. The Jenu Kurubas mainly depend on forest for their day to day life. They occupy forested regions where for a long period in their history, they lived in isolation but in harmony with nature. They demonstrate significant knowledge of the forest including varied species of flora and fauna and relate to the forest very well. Collecting honey, wax and other forest produce like roots and tubers has been the mainstay of their survival and in recent times they have been found selling them in the market through organized trade groups, both legal and illegal which has led to a furore of angst amongst the conservationists.[citation needed] Many of the cultural traits they have are common with the neighbouring tribes such as Betta Kuruba / Kadu Kuruba. In the forest the tribes also practice agriculture, the main crops grown are Ragi, Cow gram, Bengal gram, Horse gram and black gram. In the recent years, a lot of commercialization has occurred due to increase in tourism and fragmentation of forest ranges leading to severe. The tribal communities have long since given up the traditional ways of life and have easily indulged in poaching activities and indiscreet hunting of birds and forest animals. Numerous cases of such assistance provided by the tribal folk to poachers in trying to sell game, live or dead, medicinal herbs have been observed and controlled by the forest department leading to a clash between the tribal communities protected by law and law enforcement agencies. To resolve this conflict and imminent threat to the bio-diversity in this forest, numerous relocation efforts and anti-poaching efforts have been made in the last decade. An increase in poaching was attributed to the tribal support received by poachers in getting guidance from the tribal groups to navigate the forest and tracking game, in exchange for money or other supply of necessaries.[citation needed]

Nagarhole

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Nagarhole

Nagarhole Tourism The park is usually closed for safaris during mating season of animals and during monsoon. Traffic movement is restricted to 6 pm to 6 am every day and the gates are closed on either sides of entry into the forest. The forest department houses visitors in lodges in the Murkal guest houses (approx 220 km from Bangalore) and also near the RFO office in the park itself. Safaris are organized in the Forest department vans two time a day; early morning and evening. Regular education camps are conducted for school children and the forest department provides special concessions for tours organized for school children. [edit]Threats and Conservation efforts Threats to the national park come from large scale cutting of sandalwood and teak trees, and overgrazing of cattle. Timber smuggling, especially sandalwood smuggling, happens quite extensively here. Timber felling has been reported from plantation areas in Kollihadi, Vaddara Modu, Tattikere in Veerahosanahalli and Mettiupe in Kalahalli. Other places where timber felling has been reported include Arekatti, Badrikatte, Bidurukatte, Veerana Hosahalli and Marhigodu ranges. In July 2002 hundreds of trees were cut down in the Veeranahosalli range.[6] Local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga (KER), Budakattu Krishikara Sangha (BKS) and Budakattu Hakku Sthapana Samiti (BHSS) are working to stop tree felling. Disease outbreaks too among the cattle have been recorded. An outbreak of rabies that resulted in four cattle deaths and affecting 25-30 cattle was reported in the first week of September 2005 at G M Halli on the border of Antharasanthe Forest Range in the park.[7] Poaching of birds and other mammals is another serious issue. A high number of elephant deaths have been reported from this park, with nearly 100 elephants dying between 1991–92 and 2004-05 in the Kodagu and Hunsur Forest Division (PA Update 2005). Elephants are killed for their ivory. A study carried out by Wildlife First! found that nearly 77 elephants were reported dead between 1 January 2000 and 31 October 2002. Another study carried out by the Institute for Natural Resources, Conservation, Education, Research and Training (INCERT) in 2002 revealed that as many as seven elephants had been killed earlier that year.[8] A study carried out by Dr. Ullas Karanth and Madhusudan between 1996-97 revealed that hunting was the biggest threat to wildlife in Kudremukh and Nagarhole National Parks. The survey carried out on 49 active and 19 retired hunters revealed that 26 species of wildlife were hunted at an average intensity of 216 hunter days per month per village. As much as 48% of the hunters reported hunting for the 'thrill'. The study showed that in Nagarhole, 16 mammal species weighing over 1 kg were regularly hunted with shotguns and also by traditional methods used by tribal communities.[9] A report submitted by The Project Tiger Steering Committee stated that barely 25% of the park's staff were involved in vigilance work, thus putting the park at high risk of both, poaching and tree felling. Irregular payment to the forestry staff has been reported in both Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks and there have also been reports of improper use of project funds.[8][9] Forest fires[10][11] and seasonal droughts coupled with water shortage have caused many wild animals to migrate to other greener spaces.[9][11] Human animal conflicts due to raids by wild animals and elephants on nearby villages along with the consequent retaliation by the villagers is another important threat to the parks wildlife. In 2001, the Karnataka state government sanctioned Rs 2 crores to dig elephant proof trenches and install solar fencing around the park to prevent elephants from straying into the farmer's fields.[12] In 1997, tribal activist groups won a public interest litigation in the Karnataka High Court to halt the setting up of a resort called the Gateway Tusker Lodge planned to be set up by the Taj Group of Hotels.[10][13] With nearly 125 villages present inside the park, NGOs actively working to protect the tribal communities include, Living Inspiration for Tribals (LIFT), Coorg Organisation of Rural Development (CORD), DEED, FEDINA-VIKASA and Nagarhole Budakattu Janara Hakkustapana Samithi. In 2000, the first relocation attempts initiated by a World Bank funded eco-development project of the local tribal population was begun with 50 tribal people. The relocated families were given land possession certificates for five acres of land and houses at Veeranahosalli, near Hunsur. The state an

Coorg - Kerala Trip.in

www.keralatrip.in Kodagu is located on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. It has a geographical area of 4,102 km2 (1,584 sq mi).[8] The district is bordered by Dakshina Kannada district to the northwest, Hassan district to the north, Mysore district to the east, Kannur district of Kerala to the southwest, and Wayanad district of Kerala to the south. It is a hilly district, the lowest elevation of which is 900 metres (3,000 ft) above sea-level. The highest peak, Tadiandamol, rises to 1,750 metres (5,740 ft), with Pushpagiri, the second highest, at 1,715 metres (5,627 ft). The main river in Kodagu is the Kaveri (Cauvery), which originates at Talakaveri, located on the eastern side of the Western Ghats, and with its tributaries, drains the greater part of Kodagu. View of Tadiandamol In July and August, rainfall is intense, and there are often showers into November. Yearly rainfall may exceed 4,000 millimetres (160 in) in some areas. In dense jungle tracts, rainfall reaches 3,000 to 3,800 millimetres (120 to 150 in) and 1,500 to 2,500 millimetres (59 to 98 in) in the bamboo district to the west. Kodagu has an average temperature of 15 °C (59 °F), ranging from 11 to 28 °C (52 to 82 °F), with the highest temperatures occurring in April and May. The principal town, and district capital, is Madikeri, or Mercara, with a population of around 30,000. Other significant towns include Virajpet (Virarajendrapet), Kushalanagara, and Somwarpet. The district is divided into the three administrative talukas: Madikeri, Virajpet and Somwarpet..

Coorg and Kerala

coorg and kerala

Madikeri is the headquarters for the district of Coorg and where you will find many interesting tourist attractions. Some of the more notorious attractions are the former Palace, the Raja Seat, the Omkareshwara Temple, the Fort and the Gaddige or Rajas' tombs. The town can be found 1525 meters above sea level on the plateau of the Western Ghats. A prince from the Haleri dynasty, Muddu Raja founded Madikeri in 1681 under the original name Muddu Rajakeri, which became Madikeri. Madikeri is officially know as Mercara. RAJA'S SEAT One can have a panaromic view of the hills from Raja's seat. Sunsets at Raja's seat are an enchanting experience. Raja's Seat in the town of Madikeri is where the kings would sit and watch the sunsets with their consorts. This is considered one of South India's most scenic locations. The view from Raja's Seat is breathtaking as you gaze upon the green valleys and towering hills. This is the perfect place to sit with a glass of wine and watch cars curving up the road to Mangalore that lies in the valley like a flowing ribbon. The government has set up a garden all around Raja's Seat. This is the ideal place to go for a morning stroll. OMKARESHWARA TEMPLE Omkareshwara Temple The Omkareshwara Temple was established in 1820 by Lingarajendra II with Mumammadan style architecture, which featured a center dome and four corners with turrets. According to legend, the king put a pious Brahmin to death unjustly and built the temple to appease the Brahmin's spirit. The Omkareshwara Temple is like a Muslim dargah and has a Linga near the door of the entrance. The history of the temple was inscribed by the king on a plate made of copper that is hanging at the frame of the door to the temple entrance. MADIKERI FORT Mercara Fort Mercara Fort can be found on elevated ground atop Madikeri. The fort was originally made out of mud and rebuilt by Tipu Sultan with stone, only to be wrested back by the Coorg King in 1791.There are two mortar elephants, built life-size to catch the visitors' eyes as they enter the fort. Inside the fort, the British took out the temple of Virabhadra in 1855 and replaced it with the gothic-style Anglican Church, which has since been converted to a museum. The Madikeri Palace is inside of the Madikeri Fort and is home to the office of the Deputy Commissioner. The Palace was established by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II in 1814. The two-story structure was renovated by the British two times and a clock tower and portico for the commissioner's car was added in 1933. ABBI FALLS Abbi Falls Coorg's most popular waterfall is a 8 km drive from the main town. GADDIGE Gaddige, also know as Rajas' tombs or the tombs of Virarjendra is a significant monument in Coorg. The royal tombs provide a commanding view of the entire town. In 1820, the tomb of Lingarajendra was built. In addition, there are tombs for two army commanders and a priest. There is a plaque to commemorate General Biddanda Bopu. The tombs are Muhammadan style with center domes and turrets. Even the bars of the windows are made of fine brass and adorned with beautiful engravings. TALACAUVERY Talacauvery Every year, at a predetermined time, water gushes out from a small pond at Talacauvery, the birthplace of river Cauvery. Talacauvery is located 44 km from Madikeri, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill. Besides being a pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is known for its natural beauty. CAUVERY NISARAGDHAMA Nisargadhama is a beautiful island off the state highway, two km from Kushalanagar town and 28 km from Madikeri. The 64-acre island, surrounded by the Cauvery river, can be accessed by walking across a hanging bridge. Its breathtaking beautiful surrounding are lush with thick foliage of bamboo groves, sandalwood and teak trees. It has lovely river-side cottages which can accommodate five persons. Elephant rides and boating are some of the other attractions. There is a deer park, children's park and orchidarium in the resort. BYLEKUPPE Tibetan cultural dances being peformed at the monastery premises in Bylekuppe Bylekuppe near Kushalanagar is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in south India. It has several monasteries and the prominent among these are the Great Gompa of Sera Je and Sera Mey and the Namdroling monastery. The Mahayana Buddhist University is at Sera. Another important monastery is the Tashi Lhumpo monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. The gold-coated Buddhist statues in the monastery are imposing and unique, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetans. VALNUR FISHING CAMP Valnur fishing camp is located near Kushalanagar on the banks of the Cauvery. Fishing enthusiasts can indulge in angling for the majestic Mahseer after obtaining fishing permits from the Coorg Wildlife Society. Valnur is also a bird-watchers' paradise. DUBARE RESERVE FOREST & DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP This is another scenic spot located 15 km from Kushalanagar famous for its elephant training camp. It is also an ideal place for angling in the swirling waters of the Cauvery. Every year, at a predetermined time, water gushes out from a small pond at Talacauvery, the birthplace of river Cauvery. Talacauvery is located 44 km from Madikeri, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill. Besides being a pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is known for its natural beauty. HARANGI DAM The Harangi dam near Kushalanagar has a beautiful reservoir, ideal for a week-end stay. No matter if you are a nature lover or a history buff, you will fin

coorg

coorg

The Coorgs' customs are quite different from those of the other people of India. The people of Coorg are well known for being hospitable. A delicacy that is served at community feasts is pork, prepared in vinegar that has been made from wild berries. The people of Coorg are quite fond of their weapons. They have a festival completely dedicated to weapons called Keil Podh. The Puttari harvest festival is opened up with the firing of guns. When a family is blessed with a son, a single gunshot is fired into the sky to welcome the little one. Likewise, when a Coorg passes away, two consecutive gunshots are fired into the sky to make the neighbors aware of the death. A Coorg Female performing a custom at the wedding. Primarily, the people of Coorg worship ancestors. In their houses, they have idols or images of their ancestors to whom the offer obedience and prayer. The idols are traditionally made from wood or clay, covered with metal, and placed in a shine called a kaimada that is built close to the ain-mane(ancestors home) entrance. A Coorg Elder invoking the blessings of Goddess Cauvery & Ancestors. Coorgs worship nature and they hold the river Cauvery in the highest regards. To them, the holy river is their mother. It is mentioned in the Puranas that the Coorgs were summoned by Lord Brahma when the River was going to take birth. All the Coorgs gathered at Talacauvery and took the first dip when the Goddess appeared and turned into the river. The people of Coorg are blessed by touching their elders' feet. A mother is held in the highest regard within the Coorg society. The mother is the first to bless a journeyman or young married couple. Unlike other Hindu societies, a Coorg widow may still participate in joyous occasions such as her children's weddings. She is seen as the principal figure for conducting wedding ceremonies that are conducted traditionally by elders without the participation of a priest. A Coorg Groom in the ethnic white kuppya and the headgear during the First Day (Oorkudo) Ceremony. The white Kuppya is worn only on marraige or death ceremonies. It may come as a surprise to many that the Kodava(Coorg) language has no word for dowry and prostitution, both of which are absent among the Kodavas. The general level of culture and education among women of Coorg has always been higher, women know their rights and are treated well in the family. A widow may remarry, which is quite common and has always been acceptable in the Coorg culture. Member of the Grooms party killing ( Chopping down ) mock banana trunk soldiers . A ritual at Coorg weddings. Even though Coorgs are Hindus, their marriage rights are not performed by a priest. Weddings in Coorg are like something from another planet. The groom claims a bride once a member of his clan has killed mock banana trunk soldiers. Following a feast, the men and women of Coorg get down to dancing, to the tribal beats which sounds to not have changed since time immemorial. The Coorg family unit is known as the okka. This is a patrilineal tribe made up of males with common ancestry. The male members of the okka(clan) all share a unique okka name. Presently, there are nearly 1000 okka families and family names in Coorg. The okka members worship each okka founder, known as the Karanava. In the central hall of every home in Coorg, you will find a Nellakki Bolucha, a lamp that is lit to honor the Guru Karana. The eldest member of an Okka is traditionally treated as the deity. The people of Coorg are also worshippers of nature and revere the earth, moon, fire and sun. Fire in the hearth of the kitchen is particularly sacred. The cultures and traditions of the Coorgs embrace Hinduism, but are unique and immensely different. Usually a priest oversees none of their births, deaths, marriages or festivals. Meat and libations are served at most of their feasts. Some of the customs practices by the Coorgs are reminiscent of pre-Christian Greek and old Eurasian traditions. Contact www.keralatrip.in

coorg

Natives of the country of Coorg, from the French magazine 'L'Illustration'. c.1866 The Coorgs(Kodavas) saw the first successful invasion when Hyder Ali took over their land in 1763. However, it was not long before Hyder's army was defeated and Kodagu reverted back to Kodavas in 1765. In 1768 Lingaraja, the younger brother of the Haleri King Muddayya attacked Hyder's troops near the boundary with Mysore and defeated them. A treaty was effected and the boundaries of Mysore and Coorg, fixed. Once again, due to internal squabbling among the ruling kings, Hyder Ali sided with Linga Raja I and suceeded in installing him on the throne, finally taking direct control of the Kodavas in 1775. Lingaraja I died in 1780, leaving behind his two children to claim the throne. Coorg Warrior. c 1850 Hyder Ali took custody of the minor princes and appointed one of his minister to rule Coorg. An open rebellion broke out in June, 1782 and the Kodavas drove out Hyder's troops and dignitaries. Hyder Ali died and his son Tippu Sultan took over. In 1783, Tippu Sultan marched through Kodagu, while returning from Mangalore to Srirangapatana. He retained control of Coorg and strengthened the garrison at Mercara Fort. He called a meeting of Coorg chiefs and delivered to their hands written mandate accusing them of polyandry, plundering his armies & rebelling against Hyder and himself seven times. He warned the Kodavas with dire consequences, if they would rebel again. Enraged by the diktat, the Kodavas again rose up in rebellion, sacked and plundered Madikeri. The same year Tippu sent a force of 2,000 men against Kodavas, which was defeated. Engraving of General Lally, The Chief Commander of French in India. In 1784 Tippu invaded Coorg with his ally General Monsieur Lally and his french troops. Lally and his men were successful in capturing many Kodava's in the North & Western Parts of Coorg. The captured Kodava(Coorgs) were taken to Mysore, forcibly converted to Islam & enlisted in the Mysore Army. In 1784 Tippu entered Coorg with a 32,000 strong army, along with a French battalion commanded by General Monsieur Lally and defeated the Coorgs. In 1788, Kodavas rescued their king Dodda Vira Rajendra, the eldest of the princes, who had been taken prisoner by Tippu and held in Periyapatna fort. Once back in Coorg, the young Prince quickly organized an army and and kept on engaging Tippu's forces in the battlefield. By 1790 Dodda Vira Rajendra had successfully attacked and sacked most of the forts garissoned by Tippu Sultan's forces, except Mercara Fort. The same year Dodda Vira Rajendra came in contact with the British. In October 25, 1790 Dodda Vira Rajendra signed a treaty with the British, who promised to protect his kingdom against Tippu's onslaught and offer him independence in running the affairs of his kingdom. In return, the Raja would have to assist and fight along the British forces in their war with Tippu Sultan. In 1791, after a prolonged siege, Tippu's forces evacuated Mercara Fort and Dodda Vira Rajendra regained his entire kingdom. Eventually, the Kodavas backed the British troops and Tippu fell in the year 1799. The Princess Victoria Gouramma of Coorg. A steel engraving by Winterhalter and Grave by James S. Virtue Co. London. c.1835 Following Coorg's British annexation in the early 1830s, the town was directly under British rule until the Indian Independence in the late 1940s. Coorg was recognized by the Indian Constitution as part "C" state and elected a government to assume office in the early 1950s with a chief minister of its own. In November of 1956, the town of Coorg united with the onetime state of Mysore, as part of a state reorganization. Now, the district of Coorg is part of the state of Karnataka. Throughout the history of Kodagu, no ruler has held direct sway over the region. Kodagu has always been under the influence of local chieftains and maybe because of this reason, their culture has never been assimilated with the neighbors and they have always maintained their unique identity

coorg

COORG The majority of the early accounts of Coorg(Kodagu) are fundamentally eminent and the genuine record of history in Coorg is available only following the ninth century. On the word of inscriptions, Coorg was under the rule of many dynasties of South India such as Changalvas, Cholas, Gangas, Hoysalas, Kadambas and Pandyas. It is believed that early on the northern part of Kodagu was under the Kadambas and the south under the Gangas. The Cholas were a powerful force in the eleventh century they defeated the Gangas. However, the Changalva Arasus continued o rule the south Kodagu when Raja Chola was ruling in Tanjavur. The northern parts of Kodagu were ruled by the Kongalvas who were a vassal of the Cholas. The situation more or less remained the same till the invasion under Alauddin Khilji. In the fourteenth century the Changalvas became prominent rulers of Kodagu. For most of the period the influence of the Changalvas or the Kongalvas never reached beyond the borders of Kodagu. The period between the eleventh and sixteenth centuries were tumultuous and rulers changed faster than the seasons. However, Kodagu continued to cling on to its independent stature. The fall of the Vijayanagara empire signaled a change and in this period Keladi Nayaks of Ikkeri took over Kodagu and established the Paleri(Haleri) Kingdom. Paleri kings, who were Lingayats of Veerashaiva faith, ruled the region for more than 200 years (1580 - 1834). The first ruler of Paleri dynasty was Vira Raja. His grandson Muddu Raja I was a popular ruler and ruled for more than 50 years. He moved his headquarters to current day Madikeri in 1681. It was called Muddu Raja Keri and later shortened to Madikeri. Under the Paleri dynasty Kodagu attained a status as an Independent kingdom. Dodda Vira Raja ruled from 1687 - 1736. Under his rule the administration of the region was streamlined into villages and districts. Other notable figures in the history of Kodagu are Dodda Vira Rajendra (1780 - 1809) and Linga Raja II (1811 - 1820).